Briony Gildenhuys Physiotherapy

11/04/2026

Such an important message on this World Parkinson’s Day especially when this year’s theme is ‘Bridge the Care Gap’. Medicine may add years to life but it is therapy that adds life to years 🩵

Our medical aid system pays for Parkinson’s medication. But it does not guarantee funding for the physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy that determine whether people with Parkinson’s disease fall, lose their voice or stay independent. On World Parkinson’s Day (11 April), we are asking the Department of Health to change that.

07/04/2026

Our first "unseen" neurological condition that we are putting the spotlight on is FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). We were going to write about it and then a patient who has been diagnosed with it kindly shared a piece they wrote to try to explain to their loved ones what life with FND is like. After reading the piece it seemed like the perfect way to introduce the condition. One of the most difficult things about FND is that different people can be affected differently.
But as our writer says: Please give your patience and understanding and most importantly believe someone when they say they are struggling.💙🧡

26/03/2026

2026 took us by surprise with how quickly it started and already we are at the end of our first block of Wits students! As always it has been such a privilege to be part of the training of students in the field of neuro rehab. With this block we were also reminded of just how incredibly lucky we are that every day we get to work in this field and with the amazing people we work with. Wits Physiotherapy Department

19/03/2026

A dysregulated nervous system often doesn't benefit from the conventional therapies that modern society approaches illness and sickness with. As part of our theme of focusing on unseen neurological illnesses we are exploring the therapies which can help. Recently we were very lucky to hold a sound bath session at our practice. Thank you Jade for the amazing session that you ran for us! The unexpected silence and calm in the room afterwards was testament to how much our nervous systems benefitted 💜

04/03/2026

This year, we are focusing on the “unseen” neurological conditions.

The ones that don’t always appear on scans or blood tests.
The ones where patients are sometimes told, “There’s nothing wrong,” despite very real and life-altering symptoms.

Many of these fall under the umbrella of nervous system dysregulation, presenting as Dysautonomia, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and Chronic pain, among others.

These conditions are real.
They are neurological.
And they deserve understanding and evidence-based care.

Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, pain, blackouts, movement changes, and cognitive difficulties — often fluctuating and often misunderstood.

Not everything that matters shows up on a scan.
This year, we’re committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting recovery.

You are not alone.

02/12/2025

Ghost Boy is a memoir by Martin Pistorius that recounts his harrowing journey after falling mysteriously ill at the age of twelve. He experienced locked-in syndrome, where he was unable to move or communicate for several years, yet he remained aware of his surroundings. The book explores themes of resilience, love, and the power of faith, detailing how he eventually regained his voice and autonomy, transforming his life from one of despair to hope.
His amazing TED talk can be accessed here as well: https://www.ted.com/talks/martin_pistorius_how_my_mind_came_back_to_life_and_no_one_knew

16/11/2025

'Superman -The Christopher Reeve Story' is a must see documentary. As someone who was known to us all as Superman, to realise how close that was to his actual persona as an amazing athlete, actor and person and then to witness the devastating effect of spinal cord injury especially when living a life in the public eye is an emotional experience for all. The documentary offers a deeply moving and powerful look into the life of a man whose impact reached far beyond his unforgettable role as Superman. It traces Reeve’s journey before and after his accident, highlighting his remarkable resilience, his advocacy for spinal cord injury research, and the unwavering love and support of his family.

The realisation that our role in other people's lives can be so drastically changed and yet be equally powerful is inspiring.

And a reminder to us all, as he so eloquently says 'A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure inspite of overwhelming obstacles'

02/11/2025

Jennifer Brea is working on her PhD at Harvard and about to marry the love of her life when she’s struck down by a mysterious fever that leaves her bedridden. When doctors tell her “it’s all in her head,” she turns her camera on herself to document her devastating symptoms. Searching for answers, Jennifer discovers a hidden world of millions confined to their homes and bedrooms by ME, commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Together, Jen and her new husband, Omar, must find a way to build a life and fight for a cure.

29/10/2025

World Stroke Day – 29 October

This year’s theme is “Every Minute Counts” — because when it comes to stroke, acting fast can save lives.

Know the warning signs and remember FAST:
👉 Face drooping
👉 Arm weakness
👉 Speech difficulty
👉 Time to call for help

Every minute truly makes a difference. Together, let’s raise awareness and help more people recognise the signs early. 💜

21/10/2025

21/10/2025

This month our team enjoyed engaging and educational afternoons refreshing our Basic Life Support (BLS) skills. It’s so important to stay confident and ready to act in emergencies such as cardiac arrest or choking.

BLS isn’t only for healthcare workers — anyone could unexpectedly be the first on the scene when someone needs help, whether it’s a loved one or a stranger. Take a moment to consider: would you know what to do? If not, a short training course could give you the tools to make a lifesaving difference ❤️

A big thank you to Martin and International SOS for running such excellent and entertaining sessions!

16/10/2025

Block 6 😃